Fire-escape



(No Model.)

J. H. W.ALDRON.-

' FIRE ESCAPE.

Patented Apr. 15, 1890.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES H. WVALDRON, OF URBANA, OHIO.

FIRE-ESCAPE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 425,644, dated April 15, 1890.

Application filed September 28, 1889. Serial No. 325,410x (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, JAMES H. WALDRON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Urbana, Ohampaign county, in the State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Fire-Escapes, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain improvements in that class of fire-escapes wherein a f riction-clamp running on a rope, line, or wire extended from an elevated position or portion of a building to a point below is employed; and it has for its object to provide an improved friction clamp and support for a person descending from the upper portion of a building, as will be more fully hereinafter set forth.

The above-mentioned objects are attained by the means illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 represents a side elevation of the clamp and rope or line, showing the attachment secured to the upper end of the same, by which it may be secured to a window-sill or other support; and Fig. 2 represents a longitudinal sectional view of the clamp. Fig. 3

is a View of the clamp-block in side elevation, the rope being removed.

Referring to the drawings, the letter A indicates a rope or line, having secured at one end aplate B, provided with a serrated flange O, the serrations of which may be fastened into the sill of a window or othersupport, so as to secure the rope or line in position ready for use.

The letter D indicates a sliding clamp which is fitted upon the rope or line. The said clamp is formed with longitudinal passages E F for the rope or lineA, andanintermediate recess G, wherein is located a stud H, around which the rope or line passes in one turn, as shown, the said stud serving as a friction-brake, permitting the clamp to move slowly over the rope or line when descending the same. Below the recess G the clamp is split or divided longitudinally, so that the parts maybe compressed upon the wire or line to bind the same thereon and control the descent of the person using the device. To insure the proper binding of the parts of the clamp upon the rope or line, the members of this split portion of the clamp are provided with angular jaws K, which,

when the parts are brought together by pressure, grip the rope or line A and hold the clamp to it, so that the person using the device can control his descent with absolute certainty. The lower end of the clamp is provided with an eyebolt L or other suitable device, to which is secured one end of arope or line M, having at its lower end a yoke or stirrup N, which serves as a support for the foot of the descending person. The lower end of this line M is provided with a weight or anchor P, which holds the fire-escape and the rope or line M firm when in position for use.

One stirrup only is shown in the drawings; but two are preferably employed, one for each foot of the descending person, in order to afford the utmost security during the passage to the ground.

The operation of my invention is as follows: When required for use, the attachment at the upper end of the rope is fastened to the sill of a window or engaged to any other suitable support. The line is then thrown out of the window, the weight or anchor at its lower end holding it taut. The descending person then places his feet in the stirrups and grasps the clamp in his two hands, the left hand embracing the split portion of the clamp. By bringing greater or less pressure to bear upon said lower portion of the clamp the operator may readily control his descent.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim herein as new and useful, and desire to secure byLetters Patent of the United States, is as follows:

1. A friction-clutch for fire-escapes, consisting of a single block of suitable material having an opening therein at about its longitudinal center, a stud in said opening around which the rope is turned, a longitudinal bore extending upward therefrom and a split extending downward therefrom, the lower split portion being formed exteriorly to adapt it to be grasped by the hands to clamp the rope, as set forth.

2. A friction-clutch for fire-escapes, consisting of a single block of suitable material having an opening therein at about its longitudinal center, a stud in said opening around which the rope is turned, a longitudinal bore extending upward therefrom and a split extending downward therefrom, the lower split portion being formed exteriorly to adapt it to to be grasped by the hand and interiorly with half-round grooves to encompass the rope, angular jaw-pieces let into the split portion 5 crossing said grooves, and a, stirrup attached to the lower end of one side of the split portion, as set forth.

In testimony whereof I hereunto afiix my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

JAMES H. WALDRON. Witnesses:

JOS PH W. FLANGHER, ROBERT SIMPSON. 

